Simple Kids Music Review: Dance for the Sun by Kira Willey

This month I’m continuing my “wish list” series from January with Dance for the Sun by Kira Willey. I purchased this album during the dark days of winter and it continues to be a source of brightness as the summer sun shines bright through my window as I write today.

Dance for the Sun

I was initially drawn to Dance for the Sun after hearing the song “Colors”which some of you may recognize as a Dell advertisement theme song. I was pleasantly surprised that we love the rest of the album just about as much as “Colors”—an adorable song about expressing how you feel based on which color you are today.

I am still taken with the idea of being “bright and happy purple,” “chirping with joy green” or “hopping mad like a playground ball red.”

This song is a terrific example of how Kira’s lyrics are packed with vivid and descriptive imagery, and I almost always ask to repeat this song when it comes on in our car; it’s really that beautiful and captivating.

Yoga for Kids

Kira, whose resume includes being a teacher of music as well as yoga, created Dance for the Sun out of her love (and a positive reception from her students) for both activities.

As founder of Fireflies Musical Yoga for Kids in Bethlehem, PA, she’s created a delightful resource for parents and kids to use at home. Most of the song tracks are repeated as yoga tracks with instructions on how to do your own stretches and musical movement at home. With songs like “Caterpillar, Caterpillar” and “Big Brown Bear” it’s not hard to imagine how much fun this music is for you and your kids to get up and move!

For anyone who may be intimidated or uncomfortable with the idea of following the yoga instructions; rest assured that with the exception of the first song Dance for the Sun (which guides you through a traditional yoga sun salutation sequence) the instructions are generally yoga term free.

Many of the songs lend themselves to natural movement, such as using your imagination getting dressed in “Lets Go to Work.”

My only regret is that by downloading this album via iTunes you don’t receive the booklet that accompanies the CD (available through CD Baby). Since I opted for the download I missed out on the booklet, and would love to have additional pictures or instruction on some of the yoga tracks.

I did, however, find a Dance for the Sun video on YouTubethat demonstrates a sun salutation. There’s also a “Colors” video posted too, both can be found by searching “fireflies yoga.”

Whether you’re inside or outside this month, I encourage you to get up and dance for the sun, like a bear or the surfer mama that you are with Kira Willey.

What are some of your kids favorite songs that encouragement movement?

Jennifer, is a stay at home mom to two energetic, fun loving boys ages 6 and 2. She found a new passion in exploring great children's music after becoming a mom, which she blogs about at Swing Whistle Zing. Jennifer fancies finding quality tunes the whole family can enjoy, and dancing with her boys (both big and little) to her favorite songs that connect her to the past & keep her grounded in the present.

This sounds great! I will check it out.
My favorite album for kids is Wee Sing. I remember the songs from when I was a kid, and they are still great classics. My daughter knows them all!Just Plain Joy´s latest post: A Kidney for Addie – One Year Anniversary

Notice some posts with missing images? Things not quite right? The dust is still settling about as I get the blog up and running again. I'm working to fix images and broken links as quickly as I'm able. Thanks for your patience! - Kara